I am concerned that there is a gulf between the theory and practice, of safeguards keeping people safe, in the experiences of patients, carers and family members engaging with the psychiatric system. Locked wards and the use of restraint, seclusion and compulsory/forced treatment are high risk places and procedures. Where basic human rights are in danger of being overlooked or ignored. The right to adequate food, housing, water and sanitation; the right to freedom of expression. As a 'named person' and carer I had limited rights of access to the psychiatric locked ward. Advocacy was difficult to obtain and, in our opinion, not a voice for the locked-up patient. The advance statement required more content to be taken seriously. Another 'bulletproof' one has been written. The Mental Health Tribunal seemed to be on the side of the system and not the patient, having little impact on patient safety. As for the Mental Welfare Commission I want to believe it's a watchdog (with teeth) and a guide dog, helping shape policy, develop services and safeguard rights. See MWC 'Influencing & Challenging'.

protest London 29 November 2012

Willie Patterson

author of Jeff Hawke

My dad Willie Patterson was a writer, most remembered for Jeff Hawke, the science fiction comic strip that he scripted and wrote from 1956 to 1969, for the Daily Express in London. It is described as "a benchmark in intelligent, adult-oriented storytelling".

I remember him as a principled person, a gentleman who could also be autocratic. He liked wearing handmade suits and silk ties, and did things in a 'big' way. As in organising fireworks displays for the community where we lived or taking me to ringside seats at the circus, where as a young girl I shook hands with Coco the Clown.